章 49: The Gift

"You are not supposed to drink that," Nikolai says, making Lexzandra halt as she reaches for a glass of white wine.

She frowns, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Why not?" she asks, her voice tinged with irritation.

Nikolai's expression remains stern, his jaw set in a firm line. "You are not well, and besides, I don't want you causing a scene by getting drunk."

Lexzandra, feeling a surge of defiance, sticks her tongue out at him, which catches him off guard, his eyes widening slightly. "Stop poking your nose into my business," she retorts.

Nikolai shrugs nonchalantly, though his eyes retain their serious glint. "I'm just doing my job," he replies, his tone even.

Lexzandra feels a flash of annoyance but maintains her composed smile, aware that many eyes are on her at the ball. "Fine," she says, her voice clipped, turning away to leave.

She lets out a small huff of frustration, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished marble floor.